Summer Hoof Care for Cows

As the business of summer takes over your schedule, your herd’s hoof care may take a backseat to everything else going on. Although it can be easy to let your footbath program slide off schedule, don’t forget it.

Some common mistakes dairy farmers may make when it comes to summer hoof care include:

1. Continuing to use formaldehyde. In hot temperatures, formaldehyde can flash off, making your footbath far less effective. However, products like HealMax are designed to remain effective, even in hot temperature, and are less likely to cause health problems in humans and animals. Here are some more reasons to avoid formaldehyde in your hoof care program.

2. The incidence of painful hoof lesions or an outbreak of digital dermatitis may be reduced in the summertime, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Painful hoof problems can occur year ’round. Pain leads to lameness, which can lead to reduced feed intake and lower milk production. Additives like HoofMax can increase the potency of copper sulfate in the footbath, for healthier hooves with more cow passes, less labor and waste, and reduced copper loading on land.

Remember, keep your herd on their footbath program so they can have a happy summer, too.

For more information about hoof care and treatment talk to your veterinarian, or hoof trimmer.